LETTER: Port needs Neitzke at helm to navigate changing times

To Ozaukee Press:

Ted Neitzke is the right person at the right time to be elected mayor of Port Washington. As a retired school principal, I had the opportunity to work with him in a professional setting. I will spare the readers any educational jargon and just address Ted’s skill set that is ideal for Port Washington and this position.

Ted is one of the most self-motivated and goal-oriented people with whom I have worked. His energy seemed limitless. I watched him go far beyond expectations to meet the needs of a student or improve a program. One of his most important accomplishments was bringing the community into the schools.

As a teacher he worked with a local car dealer to bring technology into the classroom. Later, as the superintendent of the West Bend schools, he established a strong working relationship with the local merchants and law enforcement. Ted understands the need for communities to collaborate with schools to meet common goals.

My wife Jane and I moved to Port over 20 years age and love the town. We have watched a number of changes. The city’s demographics are changing and will continue to do so. What is necessary now is to have someone at the helm to facilitate appropriate change.

Ted has a deep appreciation for the city’s past and would combine that with vision for what can be. He thrives on developing relationships and collaborating with agencies to bring about improvement. In a relatively short time he has worked at the local, state and national levels. As Port moves forward it needs someone in the lead to understand what makes it a great place to raise a family and still be able to pull the ideas of many together to advance.

A number of years ago I encouraged a superintendent who was interviewing Ted for an administrative position that he should hire him because young Mr. Neitzke was a “rising star” in the field. I encourage the voters of Port Washington to do the same on April 6.

Dave Farnham
Port Washington